Z. Hasquert Belgian Side-by-Side Shotgun – 12 Gauge
Offered here is a high-quality Belgian-made side-by-side shotgun bearing the trade name Z. Hasquert, produced in Liège, Belgium during the early 20th century. This shotgun was built by skilled Liège guild craftsmen and represents a well-fitted, honest example from the golden age of European sporting arms.
This gun features laminated steel barrels that are smokeless (PV) proofed and marked for 70mm / 2¾-inch chambers, placing it firmly in the transitional era between black powder and modern smokeless ammunition. Unlike many Belgian doubles of this period, this example is mechanically excellent and remains fully shootable when used as intended.
Condition
Bores: Clean
Ribs: Tight
Action: Tight lockup with no mechanical looseness
Finish: Barrels retain strong original finish with honest age-related wear
Matching Numbers: Barrels and action match
The action shows crisp engagement, the barrels ring true, and there are no signs of abuse or neglect. This is a far above-average example compared to most Belgian doubles encountered today.
Configuration & Features
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Chambers: 70mm / 2¾"
Barrels: Laminated steel, smokeless proofed
Chokes: Fixed ("C" & “IC”, field configuration)
Triggers: Double triggers
Extractor: Extractor (non-ejector)
Era: Circa 1905–1920
Shootability & Ammunition
This shotgun is shootable with modern low-pressure smokeless ammunition only.
Recommended loads include:
RST Classic
Polywad Vintager
Any 2¾" load kept within low-pressure specifications
Not recommended for:
High-velocity loads, magnum shells, steel shot, or heavy modern hunting ammunition.
Summary
This Z. Hasquert side-by-side offers an excellent balance of collector appeal and practical field use. With its smokeless proof, full-length chambers, clean bores, and tight lockup, it stands out among Belgian guild guns and would make a fine upland shotgun or a tasteful addition to a classic firearms collection.
